Singer Sona Mohapatra has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor’s character in the Telugu film ‘Peddi’, arguing that mainstream cinema often reduces women to decorative figures while glorifying toxic masculinity in the name of romance.Known for her outspoken views, Mohapatra shared a video on social media in which she addressed the criticism directed at ‘Peddi’ and its director, Buchi Babu Sana. She said the public reaction to the film’s portrayal of its heroine had given her a sense of optimism, as audiences appeared to be questioning long-standing filmmaking tropes.“In the last few days, one thing has given me a strange relief. In our heavily promoted mainstream film, the backlash against the portrayal of the heroine has given me some hope and optimism. Seems like it had an impact on some of the filmmakers who are giving interviews that she is very innocent and some sections will be removed.”While clarifying that she has not watched either ‘Peddi’ or its predecessor ‘Pushpa’, Mohapatra said she is familiar with the kind of storytelling often seen in such films.“Now, I haven’t watched the latest Peddi or its mothership Pushpa, never planned to. But to be honest, we all know the formula and template of these films. The hero always lives a dignified life. And the heroine is just an extension of that story. Decoration to be sexualized, objectified. Toxic masculinity is called romance in such films.”She further criticised the way certain cinematic techniques are used to package problematic behaviour as entertainment.“Disrespect becomes swagger. Some low motion shots, some strategic camera angles, the heroine’s look me, look me, look me type of clothes, loud background music. We know the deal. And in most cases, misogyny wins in the box office. But this time, something different has happened.”According to Mohapatra, the most significant aspect of the controversy is that audiences are no longer remaining silent.“The interesting thing is that India’s people have apparently expressed their dissatisfaction.”The singer went on to argue that many filmmakers continue to lean on patriarchal narratives rather than creating nuanced female characters with agency and depth.“They are holding the filmmakers responsible. Are we really tired of these lazy, short cut, pathetic ideas of filmmaking? I hope so. Or maybe we are even connecting the dots around all the sad news of the crimes against the women.”“Whether it’s stalking or teasing, the news that comes every day, children’s rape, domestic violence. And I guess people are connecting how such films influence attitudes and behaviors in society. Because mostly in our films, it’s the case that it’s not a story. The writers don’t have to pay. No problem. Put in patriarchy.”“Delete the heroine’s agency from the screenplay. It will be a massacre.”Mohapatra then drew a contrast between mainstream commercial cinema and the Kashish Pride Film Festival, whose closing ceremony she was attending in Mumbai at the time.“And as I’m saying this, I’m actually on my way to the closing ceremony of the Kashish Kher Festival, here in Mumbai.”“A film festival where I’ve been associated with for years. I’ve performed there. I’ve celebrated this festival, supported it.”Reflecting on the festival’s continued existence despite limited resources, she praised its commitment to authentic storytelling.“And what strikes me is this. Kashish is still continuing. Year after year, despite not having these kinds of budgets, star power or machinery that this kind of bullshit mainstream cinema in India enjoys. And I’m so proud and thankful for that. Because courage and authenticity matter. Because stories about real human beings matter.”She concluded by expressing hope that audiences would increasingly gravitate towards honest narratives over superficial hero worship and propaganda.“And I’d like to hope that audiences, whether they’re queer, straight, young, old, male, female, or anything in between, eventually will connect to the truth. Not propaganda. Not fantasy. Not insecurity dressed up as macho heroism. That Kashish survives gives me hope. As does this backlash on Peddi, forcing the filmmakers to apologize. Kudos, India.”Calling the public response encouraging, Mohapatra added, “As someone who has spent a lifetime telling stories through music and songs, I find this incredibly hopeful. Maybe we will demand better stories, better women characters. Is it possible? And maybe all this is a sign that we are becoming a better society. I would like to think so. Sending you a lot of love.”
